2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It featured a bulkier, industrial exterior with horseshoe-shaped grilles and deep beveled creases on the side body panels, giving it a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. The design paid homage to previous generations, notably with the slanted rearmost window reminiscent of the first-gen 4Runner. Inside, the 4Runner shared similarities with the Toyota Tacoma, featuring a beveled styling motif throughout the cabin. The interior was functional, with hard plastics for durability and light cushioning for comfort, offering a quality that surpassed the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco but fell short of the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased Chevrolet's knack for exterior styling across its SUV lineup. The Traverse's interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from its overall sophistication. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, included features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The base model came with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 317 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup improved acceleration and fuel economy compared to the previous generation. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The i-Force Max Hybrid powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, delivered 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, offering stronger power at lower speeds, ideal for off-roading. The 4Runner's handling was more composed on pavement, with reduced nosedive and body roll, and it maintained its off-road prowess with nine distinct trims offering varying levels of capability.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive provided controlled acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails with ease, and its suspension absorbed rough terrain effectively. The Z71's tires and suspension also improved daily driving comfort. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it felt large and less sporty on winding roads. The EPA-rated fuel economy was 21 mpg combined, with the test vehicle achieving 21.5 mpg.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was five inches longer than its predecessor, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase. While front seat space was ample, the middle row offered only adequate legroom. Third-row seating was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and lacked thigh support. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various off-road features, including terrain programs, camera views, and a locking rear differential. Cargo capacity was 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row, reduced to 42.6 cubic feet in hybrid models. A sturdy roof rack compensated for cargo deficits.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat or individual captain's chairs. The third row provided some leg support but lacked a view due to window design. Storage space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a wireless charging pad were available. Hybrid models included a digital instrument panel. Off-road models had external camera views and automatic activation for trail navigation. A 14-speaker JBL audio system and a portable Bluetooth speaker were optional. Remote monitoring, a digital key function, and smartphone app control were also available.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It included Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, though it lacked a tuning knob. An 11-inch digital instrumentation panel offered customizable views. Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's crash test results were unavailable, but the Tacoma, on which it was based, received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. All 4Runner models came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including features like frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alerts was optional.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving aid, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.